Ten weeks after Rory McIlroy's historic Masters victory, Stormont's promised celebration has failed to materialise in a major blow to the Northern Irishman.
The first and deputy first ministers had pledged to throw what they called "the biggest party possible" for the Co Down golfer following his dramatic play-off win in April.
Despite the initial fanfare and commitments from both Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, no official event has been organised to mark the achievement.
The Executive Office has remained silent on the matter, according to the Irish Times, refusing to respond to queries about the abandoned plans or indicate whether any celebration might still take place.
Ten weeks after Rory McIlroy's historic Masters victory, Stormont's promised celebration has failed to materialise in a major blow to the Northern Irishman
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In the immediate aftermath of McIlroy's Masters triumph, expectations were high for a major homecoming event.
O'Neill spoke of holding a "huge party", whilstLittle-Pengelly said McIlroy would "undoubtedly get a deserved hero's welcome when he comes home."
These enthusiastic statements led many to believe the first and deputy first ministers would take the lead in organising celebrations. However, the Executive Office has failed to provide any updates on the promised festivities.
Multiple requests for information about the party plans have reportedly gone unanswered. The ministers' office has not indicated whether they still intend to honour the Holywood-born sports star's achievement.
Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam at the Masters back in April
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Ards and North Down Borough Council has also scaled back its ambitions regarding any celebration.
They confirmed it had been "in discussion with Rory's management team to explore various proposals" but has no immediate plans to mark the success.
The local authority noted that McIlroy's name already appears on Holywood's welcome signage and features on leisure centre walls of fame.
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The council said it "look[s] forward to honouring his contributions to the sport and our community" but offered no concrete proposals.
McIlroy himself, who flew home privately after his Masters win, recently expressed hopes of celebrating a double victory at next month's Open in Portrush.
"Hopefully I can celebrate with them [his fans] on Sunday night with the Claret Jug and Green Jacket," he said.
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The failure to deliver on the promised celebration has drawn sharp criticism from opposition politicians.
DLP MLA Justin McNulty said: "After the first minister publicly called for a 'huge party' after Rory McIlroy won the Masters, it's disappointing that such a historic sporting achievement for our island has gone unmarked."
McNulty, who represents Newry and Armagh, noted that many had watched McIlroy's victory "from the edge of our seats" and saw this as a missed opportunity to celebrate a unifying moment.
Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll appear to be happier than ever as they prepare to return to the UKGETTYHe added that with the executive already failing in several key areas, "we can now add party planning to their growing list of shortcomings."
The blow for McIlroy comes at a time when the golfer is preparing to return to the UK with wife Erica Stoll.
The couple have lived in Florida throughout their marriage but, along with their four-year-old daughter Poppy, will soon be residing in a luxury mansion in Wentworth.
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